Lakers Road To Relevance: Player Development Must Reign Supreme

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Jan 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers fans cheer forward Julius Randle (30) during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center. Lakers won 93-84. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers fans cheer forward Julius Randle (30) during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center. Lakers won 93-84. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers’ top priority this season was supposed to be player development, but so far they’ve failed miserably

This series has taken a look at the complicated path the Lakers must take if they are to achieve their goals of competing for championships in the foreseeable future. The prior “Road to Relevance” pieces have already examined the upcoming free agency period and draft, as well as the players currently on the roster that the Lakers must strive to retain, all extremely important facets of the rebuild.

That said, the development and fostering of young talent, arguably the most critical aspect of the rebuild and something with which the Lakers have struggled with heavily since the beginning of the season, will be the current topic of discussion.

If the Lakers are to improve over the coming seasons, it will be paramount for their young players to grow and develop as well. Additionally, it will be important for the Lakers to make a point of adding additional young players, rather than the veterans they have favored thus far.

Last but not least, the Los Angeles Lakers’ front office must find a coaching staff willing to mold this young team into the champions they would like them to become.

Next: Finding the Right Coach